I enjoy new gadgets and toys as much as any photographer, and love trying new and fun techniques. When it comes to keeping a client happy, though, I'm sometimes a fan of KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid.

I had an assignment this past weekend to cover an awards ceremony here in Kansas City. Nothing too exciting. There was a convention of doctors, and about a dozen clinics were receiving awards for helping neighborhood children get immunized. The problem was that the assignment was to shoot check-passing photos. Not the most exciting job.

In the past when I've gotten this type of assignment, I tried to get fancy, creative. I'd shoot wide, play with the light, try shooting slow and working with ambient light and gels. And the photos never turned out great. In time I realized that what the client - the people paying me - wanted, was just a good, clean award presentation photo. So I gave up on the idea of trying to make art, and instead focused on making a good picture that filled their need. A well-lit, clean photo that showed the people involved.

What the client's paying for then is my experience. My knowledge of photography to make sure they get the pictures they need, and do that in a professional way. So I went early and met with the organizers. Arranged the placement of the podium and sign in a good position for the photos. Used a hand-held softbox (Westcott) to create pleasing light. Shot tests with the PR people. And perhaps most importantly, had a chat with the person giving the awards, explaining how I wanted him to do it, and that I'd be directing the shots. Three shots of the check passing, then two more of just the recipient.

In addition, they asked if I could do a group photo after the banquet of all the winners, but that the people needed to leave quickly, so could it happen fast? No problem. I found a decent spot outside the banquet room and arranged to have the sign moved there. Then I set up two lights with umbrellas to give good, even light, and brought a chair in to get some elevation. When they came out at the end, it took less than three minutes to position them and make a half-dozen shots.

The next day I shipped the CD, giving them both all of the shots, plus a smaller collection of just the best. I also enclosed a list of who was in each photo, and embedded that information in the IPTC data as well.

Did I make any portfolio photos? No. Was the client happy? Yes. And I was reminded again that when I take an assignment, I'm not just selling my ability to make good photos, but to make good photos that fit what the client needs or wants. I may not make art, but if I keep the client happy, I'll stay in business. And that's better than art any day.